People experiencing homelessness in Scotland will have the
ability to settle and access support wherever they choose under
legislation coming into force tomorrow.
People can currently be asked to demonstrate their local
connection to the area where they present as homeless. If they
are unable to do so, councils can refer them to another area
where they do have a local link, such as somewhere they or their
family members have lived or worked.
The new legislation suspends that power for Scottish local
authorities, giving people freedom about where they settle and
access services. It aims to help them integrate more fully into
the local community and to reduce repeat homelessness.
Housing Secretary said:
“Local connection requirements have been recognised as a barrier
to accessing homelessness services which is why we have chosen to
remove them.
“Most people who are homeless want to live in a community where
they are already settled, but this legislation allows them to
move somewhere new if they want to – whether that’s to access
support, take advantage of job opportunities or simply to have a
fresh start.
“This puts rights for homeless households on a par with those for
people who own or rent their homes, ensuring they have access to
consistent services wherever they are in Scotland.
“I know that there are housing pressures in some local
authorities but that, ultimately, they share our ambition of
ending homelessness. This legislation will help ensure people can
find a settled home as quickly as possible in an area of their
choosing.”
Alison Watson, Director of Shelter Scotland, said:
“We hugely welcome the news that this legislation has been
passed. It is important progress towards realising the UN right
to adequate housing: ensuring people are empowered to make
informed decisions on where they would like to apply as homeless
and that dignity is embedded in our homelessness system.
“This much anticipated change is one that we have been long
calling for, and is another milestone in securing progressive
rights to housing. We believe home is everything, and only
building more social homes will bring the housing emergency to a
permanent end, but it’s vital that people know their rights and
are empowered to defend them.”
Ginny Cooper, from Homeless Network Scotland’s Change Team, said:
“We are pleased to learn about the changes being made to local
connection legislation, and see it as an important shift towards
giving people experiencing homelessness more choice in where they
decide to build their lives. Giving people the option to relocate
will improve their opportunities to create new relationships
within communities where they are able to thrive.”
Background
MSPs approved the Homelessness Persons
(Suspension of Referrals between Local Authorities) (Scotland)
Order 2022 on 16 November.
The Scottish Government will review the data and keep in regular
contact with local authorities and service providers to monitor
the impact of these changes.
